Our Lions vs Vikings prediction is that Detroit will win the game outright. Detroit (4-1) and Minnesota (5-0) have been NFL combatants since the 1960s. They have an extensive head-to-head record with the Vikings leading by a substantial margin with 80 wins, 43 losses, and two ties.
In recent years, they have rarely been good simultaneously. That changed with Detroit emerging as a viable Super Bowl contender and the Vikings starting the season undefeated.
Offshore Odds: Game Is Essentially a Tossup
| Team | Spread | Money Line | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lions | +1 (-105) | +104 | O 50.5 (-110) |
| Vikings | -1 (-115) | -124 | U 50.5 (-110) |
Lions Move Forward Without Stalwart DL
Detroit’s momentum from consecutive 40+ point efforts in wins over the Seahawks and Cowboys was slowed significantly when star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson broke his leg against Dallas.
The most optimistic prognosis says he will miss 4-to-6 months making it possible that he returns for the Super Bowl if the Lions cooperate and make it that far. In a catch-22, the absence of Hutchinson makes that endeavor all the more difficult. Still, the Lions offense is clicking. They humiliated the Cowboys, seemingly scoring at will.
However, that is unlikely to be the case against Minnesota’s defense. The Vikings have surrendered the second-fewest points in the NFL. And they have not played pushovers with victories over the 49ers, Packers, Texans, and Jets. They are vulnerable to the passing game. If they cannot establish the running game, Jared Goff needs to get the ball downfield.
Vikings Have Passed Every Tough Test So Far
Hot starts need to be put into the proper context and the Vikings had to run through a gauntlet to get to 5-0. Their schedule eases up after Detroit. They could be staring at securing home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs by mid-December.
QB Sam Darnold has been efficient and, at times, spectacular. He’s with his fourth team and has finally found a home with an innovative offensive mind in head coach Kevin O’Connell and a good supporting cast led by running back Aaron Jones and Justin Jefferson. Detroit’s run defense has been a strength and that will certainly be damaged with the absence of Hutchinson.
Lions vs Vikings Prediction: Detroit Wins a Tight Contest
These are two evenly matched teams. Both are fighting for a division title, home-field advantage in the playoffs, and a good chance at Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans. This game could go a long way in determining who emerges from the NFC.
Contests this tight often come down to the small things such as quarterback efficiency. As good as Darnold has been, his career has had instances of big mistakes at the wrong time. Goff is a high-percentage passer. Our Lions vs Vikings prediction is that Detroit will win. Take the money line.
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